Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program offers employment and other case-managed services designed to promote economic self-sufficiency for families currently participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. FSS Participants develop specific economic goals, via their Individual Training and Services Plan, and work with an FSS Coordinator to identify activities and services to help achieve these goals over a five-year period.

One of the benefits of the FSS program is an interest-bearing escrow account that may be established by the Housing Authority in the name of each participating family. As economic goals are met, household income will increase, and by law a Voucher participant's rent generally increases. Increased rental charges, due to additional earned income, paid by a family to a property owner while in the FSS program are credited to the family's escrow account.

Upon fulfillment of the five-year program, through the FSS Contract of Participation, and completion of the goals listed on the Individual Training and Services Plan, families receive the funds in the escrow account for purchasing a house through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program or for any other purpose.

FSS Coordinators are available to help families access a host of other career, training and other community services as well. FSS program services may include, but are not limited to:

• Job Training and Employment Counseling 
• Child Care
• Transportation
• Education
• Substance/alcohol abuse treatment or counseling
• Household skill training
• Homeownership Counseling 

Things You Should Know about the FSS Program:

• Families must be currently receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Families must respond to any interest letter or notices sent by the Housing Authority.
• Families must attend an orientation scheduled by the Housing Authority.
• Families must complete and adhere to an Individual Training and Service Plan, which identifies goals and outlines specific activities and services over the five-year contractual period. 
• Families must work closely with the assigned FSS Coordinator to complete set goals.
• Families may have the opportunity to establish an escrow savings account.
• Any member of the household who is a participant of the Housing Choice Voucher Program and included on the lease may participate in the FSS Program.
• A family may be denied the opportunity to participate if they previously participated and were terminated for not meeting the FSS Program obligations.
• A family may be selected for participation whether or not family members are employed.

FSS Coordinator Assigned by Last Name Direct Phone #

To apply for the FSS Program or for more information, please speak with your Occupancy Technician or contact the Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Call Center at 713.260.0600.